Siemens Energy has installed the first prototype of its next generation offshore wind turbine in Høvsøre, Denmark, and on 9 June initiated the first trial operation. The SWT-6.0-120 WTG, with a power rating of 6 MW and a rotor diameter of 120 metres uses the Siemens direct drive and established rotor technology. Nacelle and rotor of the SWT-6.0-120 weigh together less than 350 tons, setting, says Siemens, a new low-weight standard for large offshore machines.
The SWT-6.0-120 is the third direct drive wind turbine type developed by Siemens. The company is in the process of testing and validating the performance of the new machine before the product will be officially launched for sale in the near future.
“In tendency large wind turbines have always been heavier per megawatt than small ones. The SWT-6.0-120 breaks this rule, having a weight per megawatt similar to that of many turbines in the 2 to 3 MW range”, says Henrik Stiesdal, chief technology officer of the Siemens Wind Power Business Unit. ”[We believe] the low weight of the SWT-6.0-120 wind turbine will contribute to a significant reduction in the cost of energy for offshore wind power plants. The low weight positively impacts the costs of the turbine itself, but also that of the tower and the support structures.
“We have developed the SWT-6.0-120 wind turbine specifically for the offshore projects of the future. Our direct drive technology offers a smart, straightforward design that minimises the number of moving parts in the wind turbine. The new [unit] makes use of several key technologies that are well-proven in offshore applications of the market-leading Siemens 3.6 MW turbine. The first series of the 6 MW wind turbine will feature the same proven B58 blade as is now used on the SWT-3.6-120. Other proven technologies employed in the new SWT-6.0-120 wind turbine include the Siemens IntegralBlade® design for blades manufactured without glue joints."
The new machine also features a diagnostics systems intended to reduce customer risk and enable maximum reliability and availability. A particular offshore feature is a helicopter-hoisting platform which is integrated in the nacelle rear and allows access for service technicians.
The first 6MW prototype will now undergo an extensive commissioning and trial operation process before being released for automatic operation. During 2011, the company intends to install more prototypes for further testing and validation. A number of pre-series units will be installed during 2012 and 2013 for further tests and optimisation of the turbine performance. Serial production is planned for 2014.
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